Lexus LX

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Model Overview

The Lexus LX 570 is a contradiction. It’s a stout, capable SUV that can carry eight passengers and conquer real off-road terrain. But it’s solid, serene, and almost embarrassingly luxurious. The LX is also one of the most costly vehicles in the Lexus lineup. This is an old-style, full-size, mega-SUV that survives on its rock-solid quality.

History

Although Lexus now sells four SUVs: two car-based models (NX and RX) and two truck-based models (GX and LX), the very first was the LX. Introduced in 1996, the first-generation LX was little more than a spruced-up Toyota Land Cruiser. It had nicer interior materials and a softer suspension, but under the extra sound insulation was the same 4.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine, solid axles, and locking front and rear differentials. That first LX 450 was stout indeed. And the only reason anyone considered it a premium product was the fact that the Land Cruiser was already very well made. But with those axles and that 215-hp engine, it was hardly a premium performer. Two years later it was gone.

The LX 470 replaced the first-gen model in 1998, and it was much closer to the luxury SUV ideal. A 4.7-liter, 230-hp V-8 replaced the inline-six, an independent front suspension was fitted, and air springs vastly improved the ride. In fact, when we compared an LX 470 to a Lincoln Navigator in 1999, we said the Lexus rode like a luxury sedan, and the V-8 gave it sufficient guts to outrun the Lincoln.

While the LX interior and exterior styling moved further upmarket from the big Toyota, and the suspension soothed the ride, the basic bones of the LX 470 were still Land Cruiser. But again, this wasn’t a modified pickup truck; it was and still is an honest international SUV that had to be high quality to survive. So it was a good platform to start with. From 1998 until 2008, the same basic vehicle was steadily improved with more safety features, better audio systems, concierge-quality electronics, and a power infusion, taking the V-8 to 275 hp. Still, it was a Toyota rock crawler under the hand-polished paint.

The Latest Generation

Lexus introduced its third-generation LX in model year 2008, a full 10 years after the second generation. So needless to say, this is not a vehicle that follows the latest automotive fashion. And while Range Rovers, Cadillac Escalades, and Mercedes-Benz GLS models seem more up-to-date, the Lexus has its charms. The current model now has a far stronger 5.7-liter V-8 with 383 hp and 403 lb-ft of torque. The four-wheel-drive system still has low-range gearing, plus a wide range of new off-road technologies including a low-speed cruise control called Crawl Control. And the front torsion bars were replaced with A-arms. To provide better handling, the air springs are now controlled with an electro-hydraulic shocks that adjust ride height and firmness. The interior and exterior were given noticeable but conservative upgrades, but once again this is basically a Toyota Land Cruiser. And it rides on the same 112.2-inch wheelbase as the original 1996 LX. There’s nothing radically new here. Unless you think an eight-speed automatic, 12-inch navigation screen, and the 2016 styling update are radical. Coming in line with the rest of the Lexus lineup, and finally breaking away from the Land Cruiser, the latest LX 570 now has a certain swashbuckling style all its own. As it should, for nearly $100,000. In our First Test of the restyled LX 570, we put it this way: “Is the Lexus worth it? Logically, perhaps not. But for the logic-bound, there’s always the (smaller, less expensive) GX. For some, though, there is no compromise. If you want the option to go anywhere in absolute luxury, the reassurance that you won’t be stranded by questionable reliability, and the extra touches that can’t be had on the Toyota Land Cruiser, then the Lexus LX 570 is absolutely peerless in this segment.” And for a bit of eye-opening fun, watch Jonny Lieberman take a new LX 570 over some Moab, Utah moonscape. It’s impressive.

Why You’d Consider One

Because it’s built like a tank, rides like a Lexus, and has the reliability of a Toyota. Plus, its more exclusive than a Range Rover, but has the same kind of off-road chops. And this may be the first Lexus that wears its gaping grille well.

Why You’d Look Elsewhere

Because if you’re going to spend $100,000, you want people to know it. Which is what the Range Rover and Escalade are about. And frankly, you couldn’t care less about off-road technology or international street creed. You want big and beautiful.